Uche Ikpeazu: I return to Premiership ‘a more mature player’ with St Johnstone

Uche Ikpeazu believes he is returning to the Premiership as “a more mature player” after the former Hearts striker agreed to join St Johnstone on a two-year contract.

The 29-year-old had two seasons at Tynecastle from 2018 to 2020, with the majority of his time there under the charge of current Saints boss Craig Levein.

Since leaving the Jambos four years ago, Ikpeazu has had spells at Wycombe, Middlesbrough, Cardiff, Turkish side Konyaspor and most recently Port Vale.

“I’m excited, I can focus on this new journey and challenge back here in Scotland,” Ikpeazu told Saints’ website. “I’m looking forward to imposing myself on the league.

“The supporters might know me from my time in the Scottish Premiership before. I’m a more mature player now and want to exceed my own expectations.

“I have worked with the gaffer before and I’m ready to help the team. I want to show my quality and talent.

“I’m hungry, determined, focused and can’t wait to see everyone at McDiarmid Park. I know where I’m at and I can really get the head down and build forward.”

Manager Levein is looking forward to working with the bustling striker once more.

“I’m really pleased to get Uche in and to get him in so early,” he said. “I know exactly what he is capable of from his previous time spent in Scottish football.

“He is a real handful in the forward department and is a top professional too. I’m sure he will be a great asset for the team and for our other strikers at the club.

“Uche will be keeping himself ticking over until we return for pre-season and then we look forward to getting started with him fully.”